1) Rivendell serves a similar purpose in both The Hobbit and LotR. Do you
see any parallels between Frodo’s and Bilbo’s journeys to Rivendell?
A. Well, I suppose the adventure with the trolls, like the hobbits'
adventure with the Black Riders, was a prelude to the main tale of The Hobbit,
although a much shorter prelude to a much shorter tale. Interestingly,
just as the hobbits found weapons in the Barrow-mound, Bilbo, Thorin, and
Gandalf found weapons in the troll-treasure. Bilbo did exhibit some
bravery in the troll adventure, although the adventure would have ended badly
if Gandalf had not returned. That's about as far as I can take it.
The contrasts are more striking than the parallels, since Frodo had so much
more trouble and so many more adventures along the way.
2) Did you think it strange that Frodo (a convalescent considered a few hours
before this almost too delicate to hear what had happened to him at the Ford)
was left to fend for himself in an unfamiliar social situation?
A. I would say that Elrond consulted with Gandalf that morning and
decided that Frodo had made a full recovery. I think there was something
in the air in Rivendell that would make every stranger feel at home, no matter
how strange the surroundings. And putting Frodo next to Gloin was a wise
move, since Frodo was used to speaking with dwarves from the Lonely Mountain
and would be interested in what he had to say.
3) The “fading” of the Elves from Middle-earth is emphasized in LOTR. The
fate of the Dwarves is not discussed as much. Are we seeing a hint here
that the Dwarves are also fading?
A. Only a slight hint in the loss of the old skills, but although the
skills were fading, the dwarven population and engineering projects were
apparently
increasing.
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"‘I think he was a silly little man,' said Councillor Tompkins. ‘Worthless, in fact; no use to Society at all.'
"‘Oh, I don't know,' said Atkins, who was nobody of importance, just a schoolmaster. ‘I am not so sure: it depends on what you mean by use .'
"‘No practical or economic use,' said Tompkins. . . .
. . .
"‘It is proving very useful indeed,' said the Second Voice. ‘As a holiday, and a refreshment. It is splendid for convalescence; and not only for that, for many it is the best introduction to the Mountains. It works wonders in some cases. I am sending more and more there. They seldom have to come back.'"
